Posted by howdidthishappen (anonymous) on November 29, 2008 at 5:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

One can only hope that Mayor Williamson has the insight to see through the false fronts that he will soon face. This issue is dear to me, as it should be for true Florala residents. You can't help but wonder if the FPD will require more than just a new Chief. The department is so far gone, and out of touch with what a real law enforcement officer is. Florala has become the town that everyone avoids, I have friends throughout the county who will not even pass through Florala anymore unless it's absolutely necessary. The gross misuse of power that Anderson and so many other FPD officers have displayed (this includes you Mr. Jackson) has forever tarnished the city's beauty and reputation. Florala has become the town of scandal. Who is affected by all this? Take a good hard look at your youth, Florala. In a city where the occasional (and unnecessary) use of deadly force, as well as brute force on the elderly, has become the norm, look at your children. What happened to the days where a parents biggest fear was a high school drinking party? A drinking party? What is that? The youth now, have turned to far more than alcohol. With the reality of drugs, rape, and guns around every corner of the once peaceful town, people please don't turn a blind eye to what's going on. The current FPD has had its chance, and the majority of its officers have failed miserably. Why do we see the flashing lights of a police cruiser always behind an out of town plate, or the occasional speeder, but not in front of the house down the street where a known dealer lives? Why is it that the true criminals are free to do as they please, in the name of catching the "bigger fish" that never gets caught. I'll tell you why, it's because of the practices of Mr. Anderson, Mr. Maddox, and today's Mr. Jackson, and the majority of the officers in the FPD. I challenge you, Mayor Williamson, to not only appoint a new Chief (the right Chief), but to also dedicate yourself to turning this police force around, for everyone's sake.

Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on November 29, 2008 at 6:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Very well said howdidthishappen. Very well. I agree wholeheartedly with you on basically every principle you have addressed. It is so very sad that this once booming little town has become one of such ridicule and disgust to residents as well as out of towners. I know every holiday, there are always blue lights flashing behind out of town, out of state tags. I guess Florala has to reach it's quota, or at least that particular officer. I have been stopped for going through a yellow light, for heaven's sake, and any one who knows these lights in Florala, especially the first one coming into town from Lockhart, knows you have to turn when you get the opportunity, but Jeez, don't let one of Florala's finest see ya!

And with the 4-laning of 55 coming soon, Florala will become a "ghost town", even more so that it is now. The reason Florala and surroundings residents of Florala go out of town to shop, at least we aren't harrassed on every corner by the Barney Fife's of this town.

I love Florala, it's my home, but in all honesty, I do avoid it at all costs unless I absolutely HAVE to go into town. Usually I go down 331 N and cut through Horn Hill to get to Andalusia. My husband uses this route to go to work just to avoid the cops of Florala and Lockhart and their "roadblocks", or God forbid you be one mile over the speed limit, your toast honey!

So Mayor Williamson, I as well, challenge you to make the right decision and appoint a chief that will obey the laws and not let his officers run around harrassing people, and do what they should, PROTECT! They all know full well who has the drugs in this city, but instead of arresting them, like they should, they sit around the corners waiting for some unsuspecting innocent person to ticket! It's so ridiculous!

Posted by hdsd (anonymous) on November 29, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree,there needs to be the right choice made, to long there has been the good old boys down in Florala. Change is needed, there are those that feel that the lack of proper leadership is what is needed. But as you may not want, the community needs someone familar with the community. Hope they choose one that is hard,yet fair. The need of discipline is so much needed, to many trying to make a name for themselves. Leadsership,Morals and Values are part of that selection hopefully, again the community needs to stay involved and push those that you elected as council and mayor , accountble for their actions and selection of your much needed Chief and leadership.

Posted by concerned1 (anonymous) on November 29, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I personally hope the choice is Sonny Bedsole. There has been enough of letting known drug dealers go if they narc on the big ones. All they have to do if they are caught committing a crime, is narc on someone and they continue to get away with the crime that they committed. We need someone who doesn't show favortism and the "good ole boy" attitude has got to cease! Our town here needs the right leadership and expierence and that person is Sonny Bedsole!!!!!!

Posted by Chester (anonymous) on November 30, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Hardage from Lockhart would do a good job. He has done a good job in Lockhart and put the bad people in jail.

Posted by florala_305 (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ON BEHALF OF THE FLORALA POLICE DEPARTMENT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT WE DO IN FACT HAVE A SMALL BUT PROFESSIONAL TEAM OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WORKING FOR THE CITY OF FLORALA AT THIS TIME TO INCLUDE MYSELF ( OFFICER CHRIS NEAL ), ACTING CHIEF CHRIS JACKSON, AND OFFICERS JIM STRICKLAND, JUSTIN MADDOX, JOHN DAVIS AND PHILLIP AUSTIN. WE STRIVE EVERY DAY AND NIGHT TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL POLICE PROTECTION AND TO ACT ACCORDINGLY TO ANY SITUATION THAT WE ARE ASKED TO RESPOND TO. WE DO IN FACT HAVE A BAD REPUTATION I WILL ADMIT THAT, BUT MOSTLY FROM PAST OFFICERS AND PAST SITUATIONS THAT THOSE OFFICERS HAVE PUT THEMSELVES AND OUR DEPARTMENT INTO. THOSE OFFICERS HAVE MOVED ON FROM OUR DEPARTMENT AND WE ARE CURRENTLY MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO MAKE THIS DEPARTMENT INTO A RESPECTABLE AGENCY. THAT BEING SAID I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT EVERYONE WHO IS CAPABLE OF READING A NEWSPAPER WOULD KNOW THAT IT IS VERY HARD TO FIX A TARNISHED REPUTATION AND THAT IT DOES NOT HAPPEN OVER NIGHT. I BELIEVE I SPEAK FOR EVERYONE THAT WORKS ALONG SIDE OF ME WHEN I SAY THAT WE UTILIZE EVERY OPORTUNITY THAT WE RECIEVE HERE AT THE FLORALA POLICE DEPARTMENT TO HELP BUILD OUR REPUTATION WITH THE CITIZENS OF THIS COMMUNITY AND TO BETTER THE CITY OF FLORALA. SINCE WE HAVE BEGAN WORKING WITH EACH OTHER AND SINCE WE HAVE FOUND A GROUP OF POLICE OFFICERS WHO ATTEMPT IN EVERY WAY TO LIVE BY OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED ALOT. WE HAVE ARRESTED SEVERAL DUI DRIVERS AND MADE COUNTLESS DRUG ARRESTS SOME OF WHICH YOU MAY HAVE READ ARTICLES ABOUT IN THE ANDALUSIA STAR NEWS TO INCLUDE SEIZURES OF DANGEROUS WEAPONS SUCH AS AN AK-47 ASSAULT RIFLE AND OVER 100 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION, MARIJUANA, CRACK, COCAINE, ECSTACY, AND UNLAWFUL PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS. I FEEL THAT FLORALA DOES DESERVE BETTER THAN IT HAS HAD IN THE PAST AND MYSELF ALONG WITH MY FELLOW POLICE OFFICERS ARE MAKING EVERY ATTEMT TO PROVIDE THE CITIZENS OF FLORALA WITH THESES SERVICES WHILE BEING PROFESSIONAL AT THE SAME TIME.

Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If everything you said is true florala, then lets see some progress and less harrassment of individuals who happen to travel through this small town. People dread coming through this town because of the reputation it has, maybe you are trying to reconstruct this reputation, and I agree it doesn't happen overnight, but it seems to be continuing on the issues people are concerned about.

Posted by florala_305 (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Its not the police in the town of Florala, it's the people the police don't make a town the poeple do. When we do the job at hand no one appriciates it. When we don't its the same its a catch 22 with the people of Florala. When we arrest a local then we are picking on them we arrest an out of towner, then we are picking on them. A city or town is what it is because of its people. The law didn't run business out, the law didn't shut the doors on business the people did. The law only enforce the laws to ensure safety and to make it a more enjoyable place for the citizens and there children of Florala. Yes leadership is needed but the past is the past and today is a new future. Lets work together and the end result will be a better Florala.

Posted by howdidthishappen (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 11:11 a.m.

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Posted by star (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I AGREE WITH YOU INEEDTOBEHEARD, THEY ARE A LOT OF DRUGS BEENING SOLD OUT OF HOUSES IN FLORALA. HOW MANY OF THEM PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED THAT YOU HAVE READ ABOUT IN ANY PAPER, IT TAKES A REAL DEPARTMENT TO COME TO FLORALA AND BUST A PERSON SELLIN DRUGS RIGHT OUT OF A BUSINESS IN DOWNTOWN FLORALA. WHERE WAS THE FLORALA OFFICERS AT, OUT ON 331 HARASSING TRAVELERS, SURE THEY MAY FIND SMALL AMOUNTS OF DRUGS ON PEOPLE GOING TO BEACH BUT THEY ARE DROPPING IT OFF IN FLORALA. SURE THE BAD OFFICERS WITH THE REPUTATION MAY BE MOVED ON BUT SOME OF THE OFFICERS IN FLORALA WORKED WITH THEM AND THEY DO JUST LIKE THEY DID. IF YOU WHAT A CHANGE GET SOMEONE IN THERE THAT WILL TELL THE OFFICERS DO IT THIS WAY OR ELSE.

Posted by star (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 4:55 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by howdidthishappen (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The site removed my comment because i used names along with my knowledge of exactly who does what in the FPD, they don't want to hear the exacts of who's doing what, which is a very sad situation indeed.

Posted by lee (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 7:28 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by howdidthishappen (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 7:34 p.m.

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Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

howdidthishappen- I agree with you 100%.

Posted by FL333 (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who is Lassiter and Bedsole? Bedsole sure gets a lot of priase, deserving or not. What qualifications do they have? If they are from Florala are they a good choice for a fresh start?

Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on December 1, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You people who know everything about law enforcement (and have obviously never been an officer) need to define "chief". What does he do. What does he need to do to make everyone happy. How can he solve all the problems of the florala Police Dept. Instead of hiding behind your computer,howdidthishappen, and making up silly lies, give us the benefit of your extensive knowledge of law enforcement and define "chief" and go on and tell us exactly what needs to be done to fix the only Police Dept. in the world that isn't perfect and loved by everyone in their jurisdiction. Did your mommy get a ticket or something? Carry on blog Rambo

Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I just have a story to tell Florala 305 and whoever else is interested, which is FACT, not FICTION, and not MADE UP OR FABRICATED. On or about May 16, 2007, my 2002 Yamaha Beartracker 4 wheeler was STOLEN from my yard during broad daylight while my husband and I were at work. Upon arriving at home after work approximately 4:30 p.m, and discovering the disappearance of my property, I immediately phoned 911 to report this theft. Shortly thereafter, the FPD arrived at my home. I don't live within the city limits of Florala, so #1 Whey did Florala come to this crime???? A report was taken by FPD and I furnished a color picture of the 4 wheeler to Officers Inabinett and Ezell (from Geneva County??). I followed up the next day on info I was given by concerned friends and co-workers, supplied a name of the individual who stole my property to the investigating officer, I then contacted the then acting chief, Anderson, who informed me "he would look into it". I provided him with the name of the individual I felt was responsible as well as an approximate location of the stolen property. He in turn returned a call to me at my job and informed me "I think I've found your 4-wheeler". I responded I would meet him there. He called me back before I could arrive at the location and informed me..."Oh, the guy provided a Bill of Sale, and it wasn't yours." Duh, I didn't even get a chance to view it to see if it wasn't mine.! What then happened was I was told a week or two later that my case "was out of the jurisdiction of Florala"....Okay, so I then go to the PD and speak with an officer, who will remain anomynous, who informed me that the case had been forwarded to the Sheriff's department,who by the way, should have been handling it all along! I spoke with the investigator with the Sheriff's department two times...and from that point on he would not return my calls....so in the meantime, I still am out my 4-wheeler! The person who stole it was an informant for the City of Florala....imagine that! A crook and he's allowed to steal from innocent people, who by the way, tried to help him out when she thought he was in a tough situation...little did she know the record he carried! So, yes, I know from first hand experience the corruptness of the city of Florala's police department. I still have not had my property recovered to this day, and what's sad is that this person who stole it, is now free, although he was arrested for another crime, theft of property, but managed to bail out of that one, narcing on his "buddies", and was subsequently sentenced for another crime, burglary, I believe it was, but the last I heard had walked off "work release"....

Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

(continued) ....OMG, FLORALA, WAKE UP! We the citizens, expect you the Police Department to protect us and our rights, not aid and abet the criminals within our society. I know I'm not the only one who has been unjustly treated by this department, nor will I be the last. All I can tell you people, is to watch your backs, cause you surely don't know where the next stab will come from.....that is all for now.

Posted by Icare (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have lived in and around Florala more than 50 years. I have known or met most of the Police Officers that have been on the Florala Police Department since the early 1970’s. There have been a few bad officers but the majority of the officers have been good people, trying to make a difference by doing a job that pays very little. I have known Sonny Bedsole for many years; he has been a capable officer and good caring person. I have known Anthony Clark since he began campaigning for sheriff; he seems to be a good Christian man with a passive personality. I have known Chris Jackson for many years; he is a capable officer and is doing a good job as Acting-Chief. I have met Tim Hardage a few times but I don’t know enough about him or the other applicants to give an informed opinion about their capabilities.
I do believe that Chris Jackson or Sonny Bedsole would make a good Chief of Police for Florala. They are both very polite, courteous, and professional in their action.
I do believe that Mayor Williamson and the new Council of Florala will have the insight to see through the smoke, exaggerations, gossip, and rumors that are being spread on the street and in the press. I do believe that there have been improvement in the Florala Police Department and with the help of the new officials there will continue to be improvement in the police department and all other city departments.
Thru the years I have found that the people who complain the most or the loudest are usually the people with the least valid complaints. I travel back and forth thru Florala on a regular base and never even think about the police, however I do have a valid drivers license, I don’t drive under the influence, I don’t carry contraband in my vehicle, and I try to obey the speed limit.
I am grateful to people like Chris Jackson, Sonny Bedsole, and all of the other good officers who have served and are serving as Police Officers.

Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lies,Lies,Lies. What is wrong with you people???????? Ineedtobeheard, the person you refer to was not an informant for the Florala Police Dept. He was, however, one for the DTF. You people who keep referring to these informants for the Florala PD need to understand that Florala PD doesn't have informants. The DTF has them. Sonny Bedsole along with the DTF had the biggest thief of all that keeps getting out of everything because of his "validity" status as an informant. Tell the truth. It's not that hard. What was your connection with this person who stole your four-wheeler ineedtoshutup, excuse me, ineedtobeheardwhileILie? If someone stated to police that you stole something of theirs-would it be alright with you if the police just came and arrested you without any proof other than someone said you did it? Sure, the person you named did it. But, without any proof, how can he be arrested? Anderson tracked the four-wheeler to Crestview after it was traded for crack five or six times. He solicited help from Crestview PD and Okaloosa Co.SO in the search for your four-wheeler. He went above what he had to do. He didn't have to do nothing. It was stolen outside his jurisdiction. The Sheriff's Office had this case. Anderson was doing this because he told you he would. He didn't have to. If the council had known he spent as much time as he did on your four-wheeler, it would have been something else for them to use against him. You did Capt. Anderson wrong with your comments. He tried. No one else did. Your pathetic.

Posted by truebeliever (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I live in Andalusia and I always thought Florala was a quiet little place til I read all these comments. Although I do have to say there was that scandal about the voodoo mayor, then the sexual predator ex florala cop that was on dateline, then the cop that went a little crazy and got put in the nut house..thinking about it, what does it take to be a Florala city policeman? Ya'll just yank them in off the street and throw on a badge?..and I ONLY thought Andalusia was a crooked place to live.

Posted by gladtobefromandy (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree true! does these boys actually even go to the academy? Florala needs some real officers. Ones that care about what their doing and not just about what their wearing! It takes more to be a officer then a uniform and a badge.

Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry Preacher, but you need to get your facts straight before you start slamming me! FPD is the ONE who came to my house and took the report, I didn't call them...I called 911 and gave my address, and that's who came out here. I even questioned them as to why they were here and not the county. As far as the one who stole it....I have no relationship with him. He was just someone I ran into at my job. I try to give folks a break when I hear a sob story, and to my dismay, I was taken for a fool, both by him and the FPD. And, if Anderson spent time on my case, WHERE'S MY 4 WHEELER! Still stolen, I do believe. I didn't trade it for anything or give it to anyone for anything. I DON'T DO DRUGS, NOR DO I CONDONE IT! I was wronged, not the FPD. They never even contacted me again, nor did the SO deputy, who seemed so very concerned initially until I told him who stole it! And, by the way, I told Anderson that he needed to look in Crestview, he didn't just come by that....The thief WAS AN INFORMANT FOR FLORALA......if not, then why were they calling him! Until you know all the facts, then don't go yelling at me.....I, by the way, am still looking for the 4wheeler that was wrongfully stolen from me, and when and if I find it, I will make sure it's reported to FPD! I'm not an influential person or a rich person, so my case obviously didn't matter enough for them to even return my calls.....thanks for what yall did. And Preacher, by the way, do you know the theif? Is he a relative of yours, why are you trying to protect him....As I said earlier, I have no connection to him...just someone I thought needed help and I'm a trusting person, too trusting my husband says....so therebeit. I don't lie, I HAVE NO REASON TO LIE...AND I DIDN'T FALSELY ACCUSE HIM, HE ADMITTED IT TO HIS WIFE, AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE, AND ALL THAT WAS REPORTED TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT...golly jeez, they didn't have time to follow up on it for me, guess that was asking too much.

Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyways, this is about the Chief of Florala. I sincerely hope that Sonny or Chris or whomever gets the appointment will look very deeply into the departments' carrying on, as I'm sure they will. Florala needs someone who is dedicated to it's growth and development, someone who will stay here and work diligently to help this department come back to a decently run department, with dedicated employees who care about the city and not just their paychecks. Good luck to whomever receives the appointment.

Posted by rustynail1 (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Have any of you ever called the attorney general with your complaints? Everytime I get on this site someone is bashing the police. I'm sure there are means of getting some of these "problems" looked into. But it seems people would rather just "complain" about them and sit on their porches and bad mouth every officer that they have ever come in contact with. And just to clear something up before it starts, I'm not a cop, never was a cop, and don't intend to become a cop, so I don't have any dogs in this fight. I just get sick and tired of reading this crap. Be an adult, get it looked into or SHUT-UP. Some better advice. Take 911 out of your head. If the police are bad now, then don't call them again..

Posted by nurse (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! Preacher sure does know a lot about ineedtobeheard's 4-wheeler! That isn't everyday information that everyone would know. Do we have an insider amongst us? Anyway, this is not about a 4-wheeler, this is about a chief. I know several of the candidates personally. I don't know that any of them would be my choice for chief, but inevitably one of them will be the chief. I commend the mayor and council for setting limits on the chief that they have to live within the Florala city limits. I pray for the city of Florala and pray for the officers who work for the PD.

Posted by beckyjackson (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would just like to give thanks to the florala officers for everything that they do because I know how hard it is!
especially when the town is against you, I mean really you are protecting the ones that talk about you everyday but believe me they sure do call you when they need you.. I wish the best of luck to my husband which is acting chief right now. We do not care to defend ourselfs on this website we are to busy doing our jobs to protect the citizens of Florala ! I have served Florala for a year without being paid as a Reserve Officer for what, not so I can keep a eye on my husband but because I loved serving and protecting the people in my town. But, really this is the first time that i have been embarresed for our town because the people that you are talking about are the ones that are out every night and day taking care of all the problems people have and keeping the speeders from running over your kids in the streets. Thanks to the ones that believe in our city and want to make it better !

Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe your husband is the insider there NURSE. Made any friends from outta town lately??

Posted by truebeliever (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Then why not do their jobs and get rid of the drug dealers? Put a stop to all the drug activity and that puts an end to the theft problem, it's a domino effect. ..If they are going to be Police officers they cant be running scared...or just going with the flow.

Posted by truebeliever (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems they are just getting through the shift with the least amount of work they can possibly do and still make that paycheck huh.

Posted by beckyjackson (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just want to say to you truebeliever my husband is called out night and day never at home with his family because he loves to protect Florala and do his job so I dont understand how anyone can say that he is not doing his job when he gets called out for people that need him all night long.. AND PAYCHECK THATS FUNNY TO ME BECAUSE PEOPLE THAT WORK AT MCDONALDS GET PAID MORE THEN THE OFFICERS OF FLORALA AND THEY RISK THIER LIVES EVERYDAY!!!!!!

Posted by beckyjackson (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I WILL BE PRAYING FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF FLORALA AND YOUR FAMILY BECAUSE I CARE AND LOVE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!!

Posted by lucky (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well I thought I might comment now. Chris Jackson is very crooked and I have delt with him personally. And it is true that they do harrass.. I work local and during the summer time they would at least pull 8 to 10 cars over in the same part everyday. And it is just not out of towners it is local people also. If you have been out shopping and you come back home and it is late it is a well know fact that they will follow you. I have had to it happen to me often. I am not one to get in trouble and I dont do drugs. But You know we have to obey them because they are the ones with "BAGDES" but may the best win

Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People, this is silly childish BS. The City of Florala, just like every city in America, will never have a Chief, a Mayor, or Councilperson that everyone agrees with. Lies and exaggerations will always be told about them. The city council, past and present, have been allowed to "look" for a chief for so long that everyone has lost a sense of reality. If someone asked you to define a "Chief", what would you say? Oh, he's a Christian with Christian morals and Christian ethics. (who are you to question someone's relationship with God?) He knows when one of his officers has enforced some law against me or someone close to me that said officer was wrong and was only harrassing me. If something is stolen, then the Chief should know who took it and where to go get it. The Chief should only have perfect officers working for this city.
I could go on and on. Here's the thing. Rusty said it. If you have a legitimate problem, why have you not talked to someone about it?
The Florala Police Dept. has came so far over the past three and a half years. I know Mark Anderson and his officers have helped many, many people. By reading these letters, it seems that everyone has forgotten what the Police Dept. used to be like in Florala. The city council will never understand that as a councilperson you are not the CHIEF. Mark Anderson was an idiot to think that he could change that misconception. Florala is the only place where the city council's only focus is the Police Dept. Maybe it's just wanting to feel "important". Everyone is looking, but, does what you are seeking exist? There's no need to speak negatively, that just brings more negativity.
As for me, I used to be a cop. I couldn't afford to live as such and moved on to another career. I do know Mark and probably most everyone that is a cop in this county and the lower counties in Alabama as my job has put me in contact with them at some point. This is just wrong.(oh, yea-ineedtobeheard, you're still pathetic)

Posted by nurse (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Preacher, it seems to me that you made the correct decision when you decided to get out of law enforcement. People like you don't need to be protecting and serving because all you have done on this forum is spew pathetic rantings toward concerned citizens. Yes, I believe that if people have concerns, they should address it with the appropriate authorities. No, I do not believe that misconceptions and lies should be tolerated. But, I also do not believe that grown up people should be casting stones when they live in glass houses. Grow up!

Posted by truebeliever (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Becky, I didnt say he wasnt protecting the people of Florala, and Im sure he DOES risk his life each and every day he goes to work and that alone should be enough make them want to stop the drug use and abuse there!! But in the same line of thinking, each day that the Police who are suppose to not only do traffic stops, alarm checks, speed traps,ect, are also suppose to put forth the effort to protect the rest of the law abiding citizens that need protecting from the varmin drug users that will do anything to get that next high!...i am saying, dont pick your duties...do them all...its your job!!!!!!!!

Posted by truebeliever (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And further more, I think there are way to many indian chiefs there and not enough indians. You need one leader, and the rest to follow orders and get the job done, maybe that has been the problem all along. Even Mcdonalds workers wont do their jobs without the BOSS telling them what it is they are to do.

Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nurse-you idiot.

Posted by FL333 (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 9:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! Seems that the new chief will have his job cut out for him. I'm surprised anyone in their right mind would want this job. Will the new chief be able to please you, all those that have complained? You know no one is perfect. I know the police force has had good cops as well as those not so good. I didn't know Florala was so bad until I read all of these blogs. I hope and trust that all of you can come to terms and at least agree on something. I feel that with everything I have read here the canidates that are well known (those from Florala) wont have a chance due to their past history with the citizens of Florala. You do have a voice, so be active, not just complainers. To turn your town around will take everyone. Work with your city council. I think the new Mayor and the members of the council are trying to find the best man possible. A good leader (Chief) is the first step. I pray that you will accept, cooperate, and assist this person so Florala can grow and be a friendly comfortable little town again.

Posted by sickandtired (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well I have been reading this for a few days now and finally decided to put in my two cents worth. Most of the people act really concerned about Florala and the new chief and what has and is going on here in Florala. I for one think that Florala is on its way to being a better place to live. I have lived here all my life and untill now has been really proud of where I am from but to tell you the truth I am a little embarassed of all this. I am not embarassed of the new acting chief or the police dept I am embarassed of these people on here putting this town down as a whole and Putting the people down who really do their best to make this a safe place for my kid to grow up. People are not perfect and mistakes are made but I believe this town will be better when the people who live in it take consideration when they decide to put it down for the whole world to see ... they are the ones who really is making where I live at look bad. I would be completly embarassed if my teenage son got on here and read all this.
All of this is a bad example for our youth. I believe as parents if we respect and support the police then our children will also. So if you really care about our town and the youth in it then set a better example for them.

Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Nurse, you don't need me-you've got Mexico, huh?
Oops. My mom just walked in and found me on the computer. She said I am on an adult site but I tried to tell her that this was just some idiots from Florala writing stuff and it was the furtherest thing from an adult site next to Bugs Bunny. She said she understood but that I CAN'T TALK TO YA'LL NO MORE CAUSE YOU'RE ALL BAD PEOPLE AND THIS WAS THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND. I TOLD HER I WOULD STOP AND PRAY FOR YA'LL. YOU BAD PEOPLE. BAD, BAD, BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by gladtobefromandy (anonymous) on December 2, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Preacher.. Whether someone agrees or disagrees with you.. theres no need for name calling. Its a bit 2 year old-ish. And it doesn't matter if you work at burger king or for a garbage company, you do your job to the very best. I haven't heard lately of a DTF bust in Florala in a while.. i think its about time.

Posted by truetalker2009 (anonymous) on December 3, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I AM NOT GONNA SAY ANYTHING BAD AGAINST ANYONE. BUT I THINK THAT FLORALA NEEDS TO BE CLEANED UP. IT HAS BEEN AND IS STILL A DRUG HAVEN, A CRIMINAL HIDEOUT ETC. THE OFFICERS THAT ARE THERE NOW SEEM TO DOING A GOOD JOB. I THINK THAT THEY MIGHT NEED A LITTLE GUIDANCE. CHRIS JACKSON IS A GOOD OFFICER AND COULD POSSIBLY BE A GOOD UPPER PERSON IN THE DEPARTMENT, BUT I THINK FLORALA REALLY NEEDS TO GET RID OF THE GOOD OLE BOY SYNDROME AND HIRE SONNY BEDSOLE. BEDSOLE HAS SERVED THE CITIZENS OF COVINGTON COUNTY FOR AT LEAST 25 YEARS AS A POLICE OFFICER AND WILL CLEAN FLORALA UP. I THINK THAT FLORALA IS A VERY GOOD TOWN THAT HAS VERY GOOD PEOPLE IN IT. LETS ALL GET BEHIND WHOMEVER THEY HIRE AND MOVE FLORALA FORWARD.

Posted by cbrown05 (anonymous) on December 3, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the law enforcement issue in Florala is as serious as some point out, the only thing that can save the day is Buford Pusser and his trademark white-ash baseball bat.

Posted by pathenley (anonymous) on December 3, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not about to bash the FPD, nor any officer-from any town. I know they all put their lives on the line EVERY time they answer a call , or pull over a driver. I have to say I have known one of the young officers at the FPD all of his life , and I see his dedication in hopes of having a police department in Florala that he and all the other new officers can be proud of, and get the respect they themselves earn, ( not be judged by anyone on the force in the past). He has indeed attended several durations of school that has been offered to him - to learn as much about the law as he can in order to see he does a job that earns respect , and serves the people of Florala as they need to be. He wears his uniform with pride, not as someone who wants to throw his authority around. The citizens talk bad about their officers, but in an emergency they are the ones the citizen depends on .I am not going to write again , no matter who may make a comment about my opinion-- I just hope each town will do all they can to encourage and support the new team of officers, especially Florala----people working together can get a tough job done much eaiser. The one negative thing I have to say about the FPD is the way they set up road traps for anyone speeding a mile a two over the speed limit. You and I know if a driver is reckless or speeding in the excess that is something that must be addressed , but to simply park roadside and stop a driver for just over the limit is an area the FPD might want to work on. Thank you for reading my opinion , and I hope each one of you will have a Merry Christmas- remembering THE "REASON FOR THE SEASON " and have a Happy ,and safe New Year..

Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on December 3, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, gladtobefromandy-Summer's Eve. Pleeeeease.

Posted by gladtobefromandy (anonymous) on December 3, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL!! you REALLY got me there! Good job! Oh and btw.. Thanks for the good laugh! ;)

Posted by mzbzbody (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 12:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I Love Andalusia. We have wonderful city officials and a Police force that tries. There is only so much a force can do. If the citizens of Florala would pull together and work with the PD, I am sure things will get better. After all this, I only plan to go to Florala for The Country Buffet and the Flea Market. Gotta get my scratch off's while I'm there. And it will all be before the sun goes down. If most of the comments above are from residents of Florala.........back up the truck boys...........gotta full load of 'em. No matter who the chief is, he will have a great deal to clean up. It will not be easy. If Florala wants a nice, clean, drugfree safe city, all that crap above needs to cease. A.D.U.L.T.S.